Why It's OK To NOT Know What You Want To Be When You Grow Up | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

Why It's OK To NOT Know What You Want To Be When You Grow Up

Grown-up... what does that even MEAN?!

42
Why It's OK To NOT Know What You Want To Be When You Grow Up
Mental_Floss

“Doctor!”

“Firefighter!”

“Astronaut!”

We all remember when we were in 1st or 2nd grade and your teacher asked you to come up with the career that you want when you’re a “grown-up”. You might have even had a career day where you dressed up like the future profession that you wanted to pursue. Of course sometimes plans change over the course of a lifetime, but how could anyone have the heart to tell the 6-year-old dressed up like a cowboy waiting for a bus that his dream of owning a ranch and taking care of horses is a slim to none reality? NO ONE. OMG, look at his little hat and boots!!

At my age, the question is no longer “What do you want to be when you grow up?” but it is along those lines if you read IN BETWEEN the lines.

“What are you studying?”

“What are your plans after undergrad?”

“Where do you see yourself in 10 years?”

All of these have the “What do you want to be when you grow up” implications, but with a little more expectation and LOT more pressure.

Some people work the same job, in the same office building, with the same people for 60 years and then retire, which is fine! And some people switch careers 10 different times over the span of 10 years, which is also FINE. The twists and turns of life help people prioritize what it is that they need to be happy. For example a certain company might offer to pay you $300,000 salary with amazing benefits and outstanding vacation time… but you would have to put in 90-hour workweeks. Another company might pay significantly less than that, but you have the nights and weekends off to go to your daughter’s soccer games. If you get into a career for the money, then I can GUARANTEE you will hate it. So much.

Even at the age of 6, the kid with the boots at the bus stop has a dream. Dreams are good. Dreams are what this country was founded on. Dreams are what separates us and make us unique in our ability to make decisions that can and will affect our lives and well-being. Anyone with a dream and a passion for something, no matter what it is, is 9/10 times better off than someone with all the right credentials. Someone could have a 4.0, killer resume, and tons of job offers after college, but without a passion and love for what they do, they’ll fall into the dreaded 9-5 rut of life, just making it through without really living. To dream is to live.

So this is why you don’t have to have it all figured out when you’re 18… it’s less fun that way and you’re limiting yourself. Keep your options open! Take a class that isn’t in your major. Volunteer your time to different organizations with different outreaches and goals. Experience new ideas, work through difficult problems, push yourself to the breaking point, and most importantly, test your limits. Eventually find out what you’re good at what you like then run with it. But always remember that you are not defined by your career and don’t let it consume you. Balance work and play. Make time for family, friends, and hobbies (watching the NBA Finals, Go Warriors). But most importantly when deciding what to ultimately do with your time… take your time.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

18199
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

7760
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5676
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4931
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments